 A funeral home in a New Forest Village has been rededicated following a major refurbishment programme.
J & L Sturney has been serving the people of Lyndhurst and the surrounding areas of the New Forest since being founded by John and Lorna Sturney back in the 1960s. John sadly passed away in 1998.
The present owners, Funeral Partners Ltd, acquired the business from its last owners in 2007, seeking to build upon the quality of care and professionalism Lyndhurst people came to expect of John and Lorna in those earlier years.
Refurbishment has made the current premises at 62 High Street, Lyndhurst a warm and welcoming place for those coming to arrange the funeral of a loved one, purchase a memorial or plan their own funeral; a growing part of the company’s business.
Among the improvements made during the refurbishment have been the change of name from J Sturney to J & L Sturney, in recognition of Lorna’s partnership in the business with John, and the incorporation of a community display window for the use of local charities and organisations.
The display window has proved very popular with passers-by, and has even been photographed by visitors to the town.
Funeral Director Charlie Keene commented, “The whole place now feels brighter. Clients coming in will feel much more at ease when they come to see us, and it gives them confidence to know their loved ones are at rest in a pleasant, homely environment.”
The rededication was carried out by Rev Dr James Bruce, Rector of Lyndhurst, Minstead and Emery Down. Rev Stephen Short, Deacon of Our Lady of the Assumption and Edward the Confessor Roman Catholic Church also supported the event.
The Chairman of Lyndhurst Parish Council, Cllr. Mark Rollé unveiled the rededication plaque, speaking of the importance of businesses like J & L Sturney to the community.
Cheques were presented to Mrs Lorna Sturney, for the Royal British Legion Lyndhurst Women’s Section; Mr and Mrs Colin and Anita Smith, for I Believe I Can Fund Of Hope, set up by their late daughter Charlotte, and Mrs Sylvia Dibben of Friends of Lyndhurst Surgery.
 New Forest District Council was represented by Cllr. Pat Wyeth with Cllr. Paul Boyes (Cemetery Committee Chairman) and Mrs Margret Weston (Clerk to the Council) attending on behalf of Lyndhurst Parish Council. Dr David Balfour represented Lyndhurst Surgery. Also present was Mrs Christine Gilbert, daughter of John and Lorna Sturney.
The event culminated in the release of doves in the High Street, symbolic of peace and the role a funeral home plays in the community by helping families in the release of their loved ones.
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